The directors of the Xewkija local village web portal, www.xewkija.net, recently held a commemorative evening, for which a large number of local residents attended, in the honour of local poet Anton Haber, who passed away last December and to celebrate its first year on the internet. This commemoration was held last Friday, the 24th of April in the “Zakkarija Cilia Hall,” which is situated in the Prekursur Philharmonic Band Club.

Anton’s wife and his three children together with their respective families were the guests of honour. Also present for this commemoration, were the local village Mayor together with the Delegates, the Archpriest and a representative of each local group.

During this tribute, which was accompanied by a PowerPoint created by Luke Galea. in which various photos of Anton were seen, apart from various speeches in memory of Anton, those present could experience a number of poems Anton wrote to celebrate past events Xewkija has lived through in the years gone by. The poems were read by various local community representatives and one poem was heard through Anton’s original voice in collaboration with local radio “Radju Prekursur” who passed on the recording for this commemoration.

Present for this commemoration was also Kav. Joe M. Attard, who read the poem “Lill-Poeta Anton Haber b’turija ta’ qima u rispett,” in remembrance of the late Anton.

Two of his children, Jane and Joseph intervened during this memorial, by reading a poem written by their father and by giving to those present a picture of who was Anton and how he lived his passion towards the village of Xewkija.

Marthese Borg, a local singer, interpreted two songs, “Lil Marija Addolorata” and “L-Innu lix-Xewkija,” both written by Anton Haber.

Towards the end, Anton’s nephew Laurie Zammit and local Mayor Dr.Monica Vella, presented Mary Haber, Anton’s wife, with a bouquet of flowers in the name of Anton’s relatives and the Xewkija residents respectively. Also a member from each local community donated a flower to Mary Haber, as a sign of appreciation and respect to what Anton has done to the village of Xewkija.

The organisers said that Xewkija residents should be proud that one of the best poets of our island was born and raised in Xewkija and that they must do anything they can to treasure these gems of words.

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